https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0255

Duplo® Simulation for Introduction of the Last Planner System®

David Umstot¹ & Summer Umstot²

Abstract

Faced with the challenge to facilitate a 45-minute interactive session for a large group to introduce key concepts of the Last Planner System®, a new hands-on simulation has been developed using a design thinking approach. The simulation is designed for teams of nine participants using DUPLO® bricks. Gamification and serious game theory were integrated into lessons from earlier lean simulations to develop an experience that is engaging, informative, and educational. Key concepts to be introduced were identified including collaborative planning with those doing the work, visual planning and management, identification of key and interim milestones, pull (reverse) planning, identification of activities and hand-offs, forward pass of overall plan, working the plan, and reflection for continuous improvement. A first run study was conducted with 32 participants in August 2024 followed by a roll-out at scale for 80 participants at the 2024 Lean Construction Institute Congress in October. Subsequently, this simulation has been used successfully with project teams to introduce Last Planner System® principles.

Keywords

Last Planner System®, gamification, simulation, lean learning, DUPLO®.

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Reference

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Umstot, D. & Umstot, S.. (2025). Duplo® Simulation for Introduction of the Last Planner System®. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 1440–1450). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0255

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Umstot, D. & Umstot, S.. (2025). Duplo® Simulation for Introduction of the Last Planner System®. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0255